Iconic grassroots film celebration shorts on the green returns to Circle on Cavill in 2010 as part of the inaugural Surfers Paradise Festival this Sunday 13th June from 7pm-10pm.

Targeting local film makers of all ages and skill levels, shorts on the green is a fantastic vehicle for emerging talent to screen their films publicly and receive much sought after industry recognition.

Director of shorts on the green and award winning independent young filmmaker, Rob Barbuto has worked in tandem with Surfers Paradise Alliance to present the short film festival, selecting the 12 finalists who represent some of the best young filmmaking talent to be found in Queensland.

'I am really looking forward to seeing the return of shorts on the green after taking a break to work on my first feature film Among Dead Men,' said Mr Barbuto.

'I am passionate about shorts on the green and am really excited to see it become an exciting addition to the first ever Surfers Paradise Festival.'

'There really is an incredible amount of talent to be found on the Gold Coast and South East Queensland and it will be really fantastic to showcase their work to a larger audience.'

Films entered in shorts on the green can be of any genre as long as they are 8 mins or less, meaning the Festival goers will be able to kick back and enjoy back to back screenings.

Winners are in the mix to win some great prizes on offer too, including a 50" Plasma TV, $1000 equipment hire from Able Video, $1000 equipment hire from Pro Cam, a twelve-month magazine subscription & DVD packs from Inside Film Magazine & 2 Double Passes to Gold Class Cinemas from Birch Carrol & Coyle.

Young Gold Coast freelance filmmaker Salvador Cantellano is very much looking forward to being part of shorts on the green and has entered two short films in the competition, "Valpariso" and "Premature", which he feels represent his guerilla-like cinematic style.

'My family arrived in Australia from Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship and I feel that this experience has really informed me in terms of my style, it has created a real duel view for me in terms of how I interact and explore life and it is reflected in my films and art,' said Mr Cantellano.

shorts on the green films are to be judged by the following people:

Richard Edmiston - Surfers Paradise Alliance (Organisers of the Surfers Paradise Festival) Marketing and Communications Manager

Maria Lewis - Entertainment Writer for the Bulletin

Steve Cooper - General Manager of the Post Lounge- Film Editing Studio

Produced by Surfers Paradise Alliance, in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government, the inaugural Surfers Paradise Festival will see the beach, streets, parks, venues & eateries of Surfers filled with energetic live performances, engaging art displays, vibrant outdoor festivals and foodie events throughout May and June.

shorts on the green is an alcohol free event.